How stupid do people think other people are?

[smeddley]

... no, don't answer that.

Also, this is not about recent newsworthy crap, comments about such will be summarily ignored because it's a good bet we'll disagree and nothing has ever been accomplished debating on the internet. No, this is about more subtle, everyday things.

Today someone posted in a no selling community with a link to their online store and a request on tips to alter said item. That was for sale. As it was. But they totally want to alter it! That's why they're posting about this item... that's for sale. As is.

So, nooooo, that wasn't a very thinly veiled attempt at straight-up advertising... we would never guess that was their intent (if it was, I don't know, maybe they had two of the same vintage items).

Here's the big question, though - how do you react in such a case? Do you give them the benefit of the doubt (and then accept the possibility of them preening over having 'pulled one over on you'?)? Do you just ignore them (possibly not helping someone who might want help)? I... don't know.

Of course, it's not just this poster.

There are a lot of ...frankly manipulative people I know, and it galls me to allow them to believe I'm that much of an idiot. And yet, it is easier just to ignore it, and is it honestly worth the energy to fight it? In that case, what is pride worth?

Comments

[puppatoons.livejournal.com]

I am so completely over debating with people on the internet,and I don't care now even if certain people think I'm stupid. In the great scheme of things, it matters very little if that person on the other side of the screen "won".This is how I have achieved online peace. :D

Long story short, I have an old group of sorta-friends who are pretty much all whiney losers and all feel as if they are intellectually superior to me, even if they still live in mom's basement,can't keep a job (if they've got one),complain about never having any friends, can't drive, and never have money for anything (but video games).I'm totally fine with them winning every argument, or letting them spout their asinine opinions about how everything in the world that goes wrong is someone else's fault.I really do not care. It's a great feeling, to reach this.C'mon, join me!

[jongibbs.livejournal.com]

I find it doubly insulting when someone tries to manipulate me. Partly because they're trying to manipulate me in the first place (if you want me to do something, just ask - I may say 'yes' I may say 'no'), but mostly because they think I'm stupid enough to fall for it.